Wet Insulation In Attic

If possible remove the affected batts and transfer them to a warm place to dry.

Wet insulation in attic.

The two most common types of insulation fiberglass batts and blown in cellulose loose fill are vulnerable to attic water damage in two specific ways. When a leak allows water to seep in through. If only a small area has gotten wet it may be easy to remove the damp fibers and let them dry for several days before reinstalling them. If you choose to install cellulose yourself you can buy the insulation in bags from your local home improvement store.

Coping with wet insulation. When a roof leak leads to saturated insulation that insulation almost always needs to be replaced. Insulation sits just below the roof s membrane. There are many signs that an attic is wet.

What to do with wet cellulose insulation. After all water is a conductor so wet fiberglass insulation is about as effective as no insulation at all. To help fiberglass insulation dry out place a dehumidifier or fan in the area. Once dry return the insulation to the wall or floor cavity where it came from.

Pros and cons of cellulose attic insulation. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. You can also identify moisture problems in the attic by the formation of condensation on windows and glass surfaces.

Drying out a wet attic. Wet insulation is bad for your roof your building and its occupants. What to do about a wet attic. Let the insulation dry out.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Cellulose recycled ground up paper with boric acid added for insect control and fire resistance offers a better attic insulation option than batts. Keep in mind that these dump fees may be more expensive when removing hazardous or asbestos containing materials. Loss of insulating value.

Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value. For many homeowners replacing attic insulation is a great opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Small black and or greenish colored dots on insulation boxes or other materials is a sign of an exceedingly high moisture content in the air. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

If you can ensure good air sealing and insulation the attic will remain cool and dry as if it were outside. Prolonged wetness will rot out the roof sheathing. Disposal fees all dumpster rental and disposal fees should be included in your contractor s itemized quote. Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer.

If the fiberglass within your wall cavity or in your attic becomes wet from a leaky roof or burst pipe it will lose insulating effectiveness until the material dries.